Clasp for articles of jewelry and the like



y 1962 A. L. MINUTOLI 3,036,353

CLASP FOR ARTICLES OF JEWELRY AND THE LIKE Filed Jan. 11, 1961 J /2, 0;3a 0 3a 4&3- 1 59:45:11. 1 I u 1 a? 35 ATT 021mm 3,036,353 CLASP FORAR'IIQLES OF JEWELRY THE LIKE Anthony L. Minutoli, Pawtucket, R.I.,assignor to Kestcnman Bros. Mtg. (30., Providence, R.I., a corporationof Rhode Island Filed Jan. 11, 1961, Ser. No. 82,046 3 Claims. (Cl.24-230) This invention relates to improvements in watch bracelets andparticularly to that type of bracelet constructed of flexible metalbands of articulated link elements and having means for adjusting thelength of the bracelet to fit the wrist of the wearer. In accordancewith a conventional type of watch bracelet the band may consist of twooverlapping sections having one end of each attached to the lugs or thebail on the side of the watchcase and a slider, so-called, adjustablealong the underlying section of the band and connected to the end of theoverlying section whereby the over-all length of the bracelet may beadjusted to fit the wrist of the wearer.

The present invention is concerned particularlyin providing an improvedclasp or connecting device for attaching the free end of the overlyingsection of the band to the slider on the underlying band section.

7 One object of the invention is to provide an improved clasp adaptedfor convenient attachment to a crosspin or the like on the slider andfor readily releasing it therefrom to disconnect the ends of the bandsections when placing the bracelet on or removing it from the wrist.

Another object is to provide a clasp or connector of the type indicatedhaving resiliently operated latching means for engaging the cross-pin onthe slider with camactuated releasing means therefor operable manuallyby the pressure of the fingers.

Another object is to provide a hollow clasp member for attachment to oneend of a section of the band with latching means engageable across thecross-pin on the slider by snapping the latches into connectiontherewith and also adapted for convenient release from thecrosspin bycamming means having projecting finger-engageable members for manualoperation thereof.

Another object is to provide a hollowclasp member having a hook-likeledge projecting therefrom for engagement around the cross-pin of theslider with latches slidable into position under the resilient pressureand retract able by earn-means operable by finger pressure at the endsof the clasp.

Another object is to provide a device of the type indicated constructedfrom sheet-metal parts assembled to present a neat and ornamentalappearance in conformity to the design of the bracelet to which it isapplied.

Another object is to provide a device of the type indicated of strongand rugged construction, proof against accidental release anddisconnection and resistant to wear or dislocation of its parts. Furtherobjects of the invention are set forth in the following specificationwhich describes one preferred form of construction of the improvedclasp, by way of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the under side of a conventional type oflink-bracelet band shown with the present improved clasp attached to itsend;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the casing sections of the clasp showingthem in disassembled relationship;

FIG. 3 is a combination view in perspective of the disassembledoperating elements of the clasp;

PEG. 4 is a plan view of the clasp shown partly in section to reveal theoperating elements thereof and ilustrating it as engaged with across-pin such as embodied in the adjustable slider on a watch band;

FIG. 5 is a similar part-sectional plan view showing the cam-means asoperated for releasing the latching elements of the clasp from thecross-pin;

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view through the clasp on line 6-6 ofFIG. 4 showing the latching members in engagement with the cross-pin onthe slider;

FIG. 7 is a similar View on line 7-7 of FIG. 4 illustrating the mannerof engaging the latches with the cross-. pin to retract them forinserting the pin is latched engagement with the clasp; and

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view on line 88 of FIG. 5 illustratingthe latching elements released from the cross-pin by operation of thecam-means for discon necting the clasp from the slider.

As previously indicated, the present improved clasp or connector isespecially designed for use with flexible bracelet bands or strapshaving two overlying lengths or sections adjustablelongitudinally'relatively to each other by means of a slider for varyingthe length of the bracelet to fit the wrist of the wearer. Such a typeof bracelet is shown, for example, in US. Letters Patent No. 1,820,-393, of August 25, 1931, in which the slider has means for fastening itin adjusted position consisting of a clamping member hinged to across-pin thereon and provided with detent projections engageable inslot-s or serrations along the marginal edges of the underlying lengthof the strap or band. In this type of watch bracelet the end of theoverlying length of the bandi s permanently connected to the slider sothat the latter must be released and slid along the underlying lengthofthe band to lengthen the bracelet for passing its over the hand inplacing it on or removing it from the wrist. In such case the originaladjustment of the bracelet is disturbed and a new adjustment must bemade each time it is replaced on the wrist. To avoid the necessity forthis repeated adjustment in the length of the bracelet, my presentimprovement provides a clasp for readily attaching the end of theoverlying length of the band to the slider while the latter remains inadjusted relationship along the underlying section of the hand whilepresenting convenient means for manually releasing the clasp therefromwhen it is desired to lengthen the bracelet for passing it over thehand. As therein illustrated, the clasp 2 is constructed with a pair oflatches 25, 25 for engaging the hinge-pin for the clamping member of theslider, or a separate cross-pin such as shown in US. Letters Patent No.2,015,308 of Sept. 24, 1935, may be provided for the same purpose.

The present improved clasp is preferably constructed from sheet-metal inhollow form and of a shape and design appropriate to the design of thebracelet. As herein shown the clasp 2 is of rectangular shapein theformof a box-like casing or housing of the same size and proportions as thecross-links 3 of the flexible band illustrated in FIG. 1; it beingunderstood that in the present drawing the bracelet and its severalparts are shown in obverse relationship, or bottom side up.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 the box-like casing for housing the operatingelements of the clasp 2 is constructed in two interfitting parts withits upper portion 4 comprising a flat top wall 5 and downwardlyextending end walls 7, 7. The ends 7, 7 are formed by folding portionsof the metal at right-angles to the top wall 5 and the metal is cut awayat the center to provide rectangular openings 8, 8. Extending along therearward edge of the top wall 5 is a backing strip 10 having verticalend portions 11, 11 with their edges abutting the end walls 7, 7 to formthe corners of the casing. Projecting horizontally outward at the rearof the wall 10 is a strip 12 of the metal formed with slots 13, 13 forconnecting the clasp 2 to the end link 3 of the bracelet band section inany usual manner, not

sharply beveled or inclined to each other.

herein shown in detail. The top wall of the member 4 is cut away at eachend and the remaining portions of the metal folded at right-angles inwings 15, with their edges. abutting the end walls 7, 7 to form cornerscorresponding to those at the rear. Projecting forwardly beyond the endwingslS of the casing section 4 is a' folded strip of the metal whichforms an elongated hook-shaped ledge 16 for receiving the cross-pin 2dof the slider, see FIGS. 4 and 6.

The bottom of the casing section 4 is closed by an interiorly fittingmember 22 constructed with a flat bottom wall and flanges 23 folded atright-angles thereto along both its sides for insertion within the sidewalls of the upper member 4. The two complementary parts 4 and 22 of thecasing are assembled in nested relationship with a snug fit and may bepermanently fastened together by crimping or swaging their interengagingwalls. The forward wall of the closure member 22 is cut away to providetwo rectangular openings 24, 24 for receiving the pair of latches 25, 25that are formed integral with a slidable cross-member 26 (FIG. 3).

The slidable latch-member 26 is constructed with a 26 for disconnectingthe clasp 2 from the slider on the watch band as later explained. Theconstruction and arrangement of the parts of the present improved clasphaving been described in detail its method of operation in use isexplained as follows:

Considering the clasp 2 as reversed in position with the bracket bandsection disposed right-side up, the clasp is connected to the slider onthe underlying band of the central horizontal bar-like portion 27 havingthe pair of integral latches 25, projecting forwardly therefrom. Thelatches 25, 25 are of arcuate shape or founded on the bottom with theirupper sides formed with concavities 31; it being understood that thelatch-bar as herein shown in FIG. 31's in aposition the reverse of thatassumed when assembled within the clasp and turned other side up. Thelatch-bar 26 is formed at each end with triangular projecting'portionshaving their opposite fiat faces 32, 33 d d The angular forward faces32, 32 on the slidable latch-bar 26 are adapted to be engaged by angularfaces 37, 37 on dual cam-members 35, 35 slidable in the opposite ends'of the casing of the'clasp 2 for retracting the bar laterally thereof.

bracket byengaging the latches 25, 25 against the pin 20 to cause thelatter to slide over the rounded faces of the latches as it is insertedinto the hook-shaped ledge 16 on the front of the clasp. Pressure of thepin 20 against the rounded upper faces of the latches 25, 25 acts toslide the latch-bar 26 rearwardly as indicated in FIG. 7 and during itsretraction against the tension of the spring 40 the. pin 20 will beSeated in the ledge 16 (FIG. 6). Thereafter the latch-bar 26 will heslid forwardly by the spring 40 to engage the pin in the recesses 31 ofthe latches 25, 25 as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 7. The pin 20is thus locked securely in place in the clasp 2 to connect the overlyingsection of the band with the slider and thus attach the two sections ofthe braceletin the required adjusted relationship.

' When it is desired to unfasten the end of the overlying length of theband from the slider for removing the bracelet from the wrist, it isonly necessary to press against the finger-pieces 36, 36 to slide thecam-members 35, 35

toward each other as indicated in FIG. '5. The cam- As shown mostclearly in Pros. 3 and 4, the cammembers 35,35 are of generallyrectangular shape or block-like construction to adapt them to fitclosely within thesides of the casing of the clasp 2,"no'rrnally inengagement with the end walls. 7, 7 (FIG. 4), but slidable towand eachotherin the manneras later'explained. The cam-membersj35, 35 haveprojecting finger-pieces 36, 36 at their ends which protrude through theopenings 8, 8 in the end walls 7, 7 of the casing 2 to render theirrounded ends accessible for engagement by apersons fingers for manuallyoperating the clasp. The facing portions of the members 35, "35 are cutaway to form the cam-faces 37,

and also faces 38, 38 inclined at substantiallyrightangles to the faces37, 37 which latter are of substantially the same angularity as thebeveled faces 32, 32 at the ends of the latch-bar 26. On the other hand,the faces 38, 38 of the cam-members 35, 35 diverge at a greater angle orat substantially forty-five degrees to provide clearance for the faces33, 33 on the latch bar 26 when the latter is retracted.

A spring 40, preferably formed of rectangular coils as shown in FIG. 3,isinserted under compression in the casing of'the clasp 2 (FIG. 4) withone end bearing against the rear wall 23 of the bottom section 22 andits forward end engaging against the latch-bar 26 within the openingbetween the triangular ends of the latter. The spring 40 thus tends tourge the'latch-bar 26 forwardly (FIG. 4) to project the latches 25, 25outward through the openings 24, 24- in the forward wall of the bottomhousing section 22 for engaging their concaved under sides 31, 31 acrossthe pin 20. FIG.. 5 shows the cammembers 35, '35 as slid inwardly towardeachtother, which is accomplished by pressing against the finger-pieces36, 36 to thereby causethe beveled cam-faces 37, 37 to act against thecorrespondingly beveled'f'aces'32, 32 on the latch-bar 26 for retractingit to withdraw the latches 25, 25 from engagement with the pin 20. Bythis convenient manual operation the latches are released from the pinfaces 37, 37 will thus be caused to act against the cooperating faces32, 32 at the ends of the latch-bar 26 to slide it laterally against thetension of the spring 40 for retracting the latches 25, 25 and releasingthe clasp 2fr0m the pin 20. With the clasp thus released from the pin onthe slider the latch-bar 26 will slide forward again under the force ofthe spring 40. The clasp is then in condition for again connecting it toany desired object or article such as the slider on the strap or bandbracelet by merely pressing its latches against the cross-pin to causeit to ride over the rounded faces of the latches 25, 25 and engage intheir concavities 31, 31 to connect the clasp with the slider.

It will be observed from the foregoing specification that the presentinvention provides an extremely simple and efficient clasping device forsecurely attaching the end of the overlying length of the band of awatch bracelet to the slider or adjusting means thereof, whilealso'adapted for convenient manual operation for releasing the clasptherefrom. The present improved clasp may be constructed of variousshapes to conform to the ornamental links of a flexible bracelet band orto complement the design of other articles of jewelry. The present claspis also of strong and sturdy structure with the clasping elements notliable to extreme wear or dislocation in use. While the invention isherein shown as embodied in a preferred form of construction, it is tobe understood that various modifications may be made in the structureand arrangement of the parts of the device without departing from thespirit of the invention or the scope thereof as expressed in thefollowing claims. Moreover, the present improvement maybe applied toother types of clasps or like devices and adapted for purposes besidesthat herein disclosed, Therefore, Without limiting myself in-thisrespect, I claim: a V

1. In a clasp for articles of jewelry and the like, a hollow casinghaving an opening in its front wall, a portion of said casing projectingforwardly and shaped to provide a recess extending longitudinallythereof, a latch-bar slidable within said casing and provided withlatching means projecting through said opening at the front thereof,said latch-bar formed with oppositely inclined cam-faces at its ends,cam-members slidably mounted at the ends of said casing and havingV-shaped reentrant openings forming cam-faces of opposite inclinationfor engagement with the cam-faces on said latchbar to slide itrearwardly in said casing, and resilient means for sliding said barforwardly to engage it with a pin-like crossbar seated in said recess atthe front of said casing, said cam-members having means projectingthrough the ends of said casing for manually sliding them to retractsaid latch-bar.

2. In a clasp for articles of jewelry and the like, a sheet-metalbox-like casing having an opening in its forward wall with its top wallprojecting therebeyond and shaped to provide a recess for receiving apin or the like, a closure for said casing having a front wall providedwith a pair of openings disposed opposite said recess, a slidablelatch-member extending longitudinally of the interior of said casing andhaving a pair of forwardly projecting latches, said latch-member formedat its ends with angular cam-faces of opposite inclination, a pair ofcam-elements in said casing slidable toward each other and havingcam-faces for engaging said camfaces on said latch-member to retract it,said cam-faces on said cammembers being formed by the sides of aV-shaped re-entrant opening in the front of each camelement, saidcam-elements having finger pieces projecting through openings at theends of said casing to adapt them to be grasped on the outside thereoffor sliding said cam-elements, and a spring held under tension in sideto provide a recess for receiving a pin or the like, a closure sectionfor said casing fitted within said main section and formed with a pairof spaced openings in its forward wall opposite said recess in said mainsection, a latch-bar in said casing extending longitudinally of itsinterior and adapted to slide laterally therein, said latchbar having apair of latches disposed to project through the pair of openings in theforward wall of said closure section and formed with triangular endshaving oppositely inclined cam-faces, a pair of cam-members slidablymounted within said casing at the ends thereof and formed with V-shapedopenings providing oppositely inclined angular faces adapted to engagewith the cam-faces on said latchbar to slide it rearwardly in saidcasing, said cam-members having portions projecting through openings inthe end walls of said casing adapted to be pressed by the fingers of anoperator for sliding said cam-members toward each other, and a spring insaid casing held under compression for normally sliding the latch-barforwardly to project its latches across the ledge on said casing toengage said -pin for holding it gripped in said clasp.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS343,406 Swanton June 8, 1886 1,653,058 Nelson Dec. 20, 1927 1,820,393Kestenman Aug. 25, 1931 2,015,308 Heer Sept. 24, 1935 2,016,827:Bergstrom Oct. 8, 1935 2,876,521 Legman Mar. 10, 1959

